Question
Why does my baby have anal itching and feel restless at night?
Answer
Baby anal itching may be caused by pinworm infection. The adult pinworms are tiny, milky white, and look like thread-like. The female worms often crawl out of the anus at night to lay eggs, which stimulate the regional skin and cause anal itching. Patients may experience restlessness, insomnia, decreased appetite, night grinding of teeth, and weight loss. Long-term recurring infections can affect a child’s physical and mental health. Medications such as albendazole and mebendazole can be used for treatment, and metronidazole ointment can be applied around the anus and in the anus. For those with anal itching, it is recommended to clean the perianal area and vulvar skin before bedtime and apply pinworm ointment.